Thoroughbred Incentive Program May Youth Ambassador

Meet Ella Sciog!

Photo by Nancy Sciog

T.I.P. presents May’s featured Youth Ambassador: Ella Sciog. Ella, 14, is from Florida. Ella and her Thoroughbreds, Defying Gravity (CJ) and RocketMan (Finn), participate in Hunters and Dressage. This will be Ella’s third year as a T.I.P. Youth Ambassador, having participated in 2016 and 2017 as well.

Ella Sciog (14, FL)

Horses

• Registered Jockey Club Name: Aqua Al
• Show Name: Defying Gravity
• Barn Name: CJ
• Registered Jockey Club Name: Next Week
• Show Name: RocketMan
• Barn Name: Finn

How did you start riding?

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love horses or riding. I got my first pony at 7. I was a beginner rider and he was barely broke to ride. Learning to ride and train him was so exciting and fun. That’s when I fell in love with training horses.

What is your favorite thing about riding/or your horse?

I love the freedom riding gives me.

What would you like to do when you are older?

I’ll always be an equestrian and compete. I will own my own equestrian center one day that will focus on retraining Thoroughbreds. I will also be going to college after high school. I want to make movies and be a director.

Tell us your favorite quote and why:
It’s funny, but yet meaningful in every aspect of life. I was watching a George Morris clinic on tv a few years ago and he said “Either you go over the jump, under the jump, or through the jump. But NEVR around the jump.” To me that meant you accomplish your goals by any means. Never take the easy way.

What do you think the most important aspects of horsemanship are?
When I first was starting to learn to ride horses, I never thought “Gee I’d really love to spend half my time cleaning stalls” and, I admit, part of me would have loved to have simply walked into the barn like a superstar. But I was taught that anything I wanted I had to work for. I am always listening and learning. And every achievement has been earned and worked for. It makes you appreciate the small milestones as much as the big ones.

Photo by Mario Apolito

More Fun Facts

How many pets do you have (and what kind)?
We have 4 dogs, one indoor cat, 4 outdoor barn cats, and 4 horses.

What is your favorite animal (apart from a horse)?
Cats and Ducks

What is your favorite color?
Orange

What is your favorite food?
Pumpkin Pie

What is something unique about you?
I have a new passion for working with baby horses. I love how everything is so new and exciting to them. There’s no better feeling then watching your horse learn something new and know you taught them that.

What is one word that your friends would describe you as?
Funny

What is one thing you would like to tell people about Thoroughbreds or the Thoroughbred Incentive Program?
They are the most versatile breed with more heart than any other horse. I truly believe that most horses can be great in one discipline, maybe two. But Thoroughbreds can be great in all of them.

What are your goals for your horse in 2019?
My 2019 goals are to move up to Level 2 Jumpers with CJ and compete at more nationally ranked shows. With Finn, my goal is to compete him in the Thoroughbred Transformation Expo in Ocala this spring. Also, take both my horses to Kentucky in September for the Thoroughbred National Competition.

The Thoroughbred Incentive Program was created by The Jockey Club to encourage second careers for Thoroughbreds when their racing days are over. The T.I.P. sponsors Thoroughbred-only classes and high point awards as well as Performance Awards, special year-end awards specifically for Thoroughbreds. The T.I.P. also recognizes non-competing Thoroughbreds through its Young Rider program as well as a special award for Thoroughbreds in careers such as therapy horses or other non-profit outlets.

To learn more about the Thoroughbred Incentive Program, please visit the organization’s website.